Training for Ragnar So. Cal WITH Kids

I am super excited to be running in my first Ragnar Race Series in a few short weeks. I will be running the Ragnar So. Cal race with two of my best online friends Fitness Cheerleader and Fit Mom in Training (and nine other amazing runners who I am super excited to meet too).

Trying to figure out how to train to run this race is different than any race I have done before. My leg will be covering 22+ miles over the course of 24 hours. I will be running three times covering that distance with breaks in between. I will be running on tired legs.

Training for Ragnar So. Cal with my kids has added another element of challenge to the training. I am lucky I have access to the gym… but I cannot hang out there all day long (although it would be nice). I am trying to practice running on tired legs… back to back. Yet training with kids makes training interesting.

Today I opted to try to run on semi-tired legs. I took advantage of the beautiful weather and cooperative moods of the two little boys, while the oldest was at his co-op for school.

I loaded the double jogger with our water and snacks and hit the trail to the gym. I ran/walked the 3.5 milesto the gym with an average pace of 11 min/mile. Not too fast but not a walking pace either.

Once I got to the gym, I was going to do my scheduled strength workout. However, I noticed I made it just in time for my friend Carol’s GST (group strength training) class and Pilates. I decided to join the class. I am glad I did. It was a great workout.

After my strength/pilates workout I loaded the boys back in the double jogger to head the 3.5 miles back home. On the way home I did more walking than planned and averaged 12 min/mile pace. My legs felt fine, however my upper body was spent. Nothing like pushing 75+ lbs of boys for 7 miles with a double jogger that pulls hard to the right. I got a great upper body workout in today.

I think the boys enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air, and beautiful weather also. So much so that my youngest couldn’t stay awake on the way home. He is actually still sleeping as I type. Poor booger. He must be growing.

As much as I love spending time with my boys… I prefer running alone. However, I am super thankful that my boys have learned (for the most part) to enjoy the ride in the jogger when Mommy needs to run. Although, I did get the biggest kick out of this info graphic I shared on facebook this morning:

I think there needs to be the following added (to at least apply to my running adventures):

Singing a requested song while trying to maintaining a certain pace.
Answering a serious question that has a super long answer while running race pace.
Reminding the boys to keep their hands to themselves.

So… how do you train for endurance races (like Ragnar Relay Race Series) with kids? Here are some things I have found that works for me:

Enlist the help of your spouse or family members.

If you are a member of a gym… use it.

If you are able to use your gym multiple times a day (with child care) … do it.

Train as if you are running the full distance of the weekend… on tired legs.

Run twice a day (12 hours apart) to prepare you for running on tired legs.

Run hills. Run more hills. Then run hills again.

Incorporate strength training into your routine.

Have fun WITH your kids… they LOVE the added challenge of anything physical.

Do you run WITH your children? Or do you only run alone?Any advice on how I can adequately prepare to train for Ragnar (which is 3 short weeks away)?

Hi! I just found your blog via the Ultimate Blog Party 2013 🙂 I love it! I am sort of just getting back into running post-baby #4 and I am sitting on the floor with a couple bags of frozen peas on a pulled muscle 🙁 anyway – I do NOT run with my kids but I certainly admire those of you who do! I consider my running time to be my time alone and when I get to listen to music of my choosing – lol! Plus running with 4 kids under 7 would prove quite challenging I am sure. I am definitely going to be following you though! If you want and have time check out my blog at http://foodsofourlives.com

Would you believe that I have an original Baby Jogger sitting in my garage? I swear it must be a collector’s item now! I trained for a couple half mary’s with my double ogging stroller and I found that even though you run slower with the jogger, it really helps to develop the power you need to run faster. You’re gonna kick A$$ at Ragnar, I can’t wait to run with you!!
(PS – I’m looking into the site loading issue now 🙂 )

I train for and run ultras with two small kids, so I understand you 🙂 I do a combo of treadmill running and double stroller pushing (or single if the toddler is at preschool). The dog enjoys coming along for the ride…usually. That’s why I made “yelling at the dog to pick up the pace” 25% of that pie chart haha